As a resident of Dresden and…

As a resident of Dresden and an employee in the public health sector, I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed legislation that seeks to remove environmental assessment requirements for the York1 waste project under the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025.

The decision to revoke Ontario Regulation 284/24 and exempt the York1 Environmental Waste Solutions Ltd. project from environmental assessments raises significant concerns regarding public health and environmental safety. Comprehensive environmental assessments are crucial in examining the potential impacts of such large-scale waste operations on our community and surrounding ecosystems. By bypassing these assessments, we risk overlooking critical environmental and health risks that could arise from increased landfill operations and waste processing activities.

As a parent of two small children who attend school and daycare less than a kilometer from the proposed dump site, I am particularly alarmed by the potential impact this project could have on their health and well-being. The proximity of the proposed landfill to their daily environments raises serious concerns about air quality, noise pollution, and the overall safety of our community's children. Our kids deserve to grow up in a safe and healthy environment, free from the risks associated with increased waste operations.

Furthermore, the establishment and expansion of landfill operations in our area could significantly decrease property values. Many residents, including myself, have invested in our homes with the expectation of maintaining a certain quality of life and community environment. The stigma associated with living near a landfill can deter potential homebuyers, leading to reduced property values and financial loss for current homeowners. This economic impact will not only affect individual families but could also have broader implications for the community as a whole.

Dresden and the broader Chatham-Kent area are home to numerous residents who rely on clean air, safe drinking water, and a healthy environment. The proposed expansion of landfill operations, coupled with the processing of various waste materials, could lead to increased air and water pollution, noise disturbances, and detrimental effects on local wildlife. These factors not only jeopardize our quality of life but also compromise public health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.

While the proposal claims that strong provincial oversight will remain, the removal of environmental assessments fundamentally undermines the transparency and thoroughness required to protect our community. Relying solely on Environmental Compliance Approvals (ECA) under the Environmental Protection Act is insufficient to ensure that all potential impacts are adequately evaluated and addressed.

I urge the provincial government to reconsider this proposed legislation and prioritize the health and well-being of residents in Dresden and across Ontario. We must advocate for a sustainable approach to waste management that balances economic interests with the protection of our environment and public health.

Thank you for considering my concerns regarding this critical issue.